Ceftriaxone (Rocephin®)

Overview

Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic. It can be further characterized as a third generation injectable cephalosporin used to treat serious infections, particularly those caused by susceptible strains of Enterobacteriaceae. 

Ceftriaxone's bactericidal action is achieved through inhibition of mucopeptide synthesis in the bacterial cell wall: It has a high degree of stability in the presence of beta-lactamases, both penicillases and cephalosporinases. 

Ceftriaxone is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram negative bacteria. Gram-positive susceptibility includes certain Staphylococcal and Streptococcal organisms. Gram-negative susceptibility includes Bacteroides spp, Enterobacter spp. E. coli, Klebsiella spp, Proteus spp, Pseudomonas aerogenosa, and Serratia spp. 

Ceftriaxone is well absorbed following intramuscular injection and is widely distributed across organ systems. In addition, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and the blood-placenta barrier. 

Ceftriaxone is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is registered for use in humans only.

Human formulations: Rocephin® (Roche)

Veterinary formulations: None

Uses of Ceftriaxone

Ceftriaxone is used in both dogs and cats to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:

Respiratory tract infections 

Dermatological infections

Urinary tract infections

Bacterial septicemia

Bone and joint infections

Intra-abdominal infections

Meningitis

Ceftraixone is not effective against infections caused by parasites (intestinal worms), mites, viruses, or fungi.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, ceftraizone can cause side effects in some animals.

Ceftriaxone should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or other cephalosporins. The most common hypersensitivity reaction in humans is the development of skin rash. 

Gastrointestinal side effects (vomiting and diarrhea) and pseudomembranous colitis may also occur following treatment with ceftriaxone. 

Blood values including ALT, AST, and BUN are sometimes increased in human patients receiving ceftriaxone and casts may appear in the urine. 

Concretions of the calcium salt of ceftriaxone have been found in the gall bladder of dogs treated with high doses of ceftriaxone. 

Eosinophilia, thrombocytosis, and leucopoenia are the most common hematological side effects attributable to ceftriaxone. 

After intramuscular injection, local pain and sensitivity may be noticed and phlebitis may occur after intravenous administration. 

Drug Interactions

Ceftriaxone may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with cefoxitin. Such drugs include certain other antibiotics.

Do not mix with other antimicrobial drugs because of possible incompatibility. 

Ceftriaxone should be used with caution in patients receiving loop diuretics as the risk of nephrotoxicity may be increased. Renal function should be monitored in such cases. 

Cephalosporins in general may interfere with Coombs' test (false positives) and may falsely elevate urinary 17-ketosteroid values. 

How Ceftriaxone is Supplied

Powder for Injection:Vials containing either 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 g, or 10 g.

Injection:1 g or 2 g premixed, frozen. In 50 mL plastic containers. 

Dosing Information

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

In dogs, the usual dose is 7.5 to 25 mg per pound (15 to 50 mg/kg) every 12 to 24 hours intramuscularly or intravenously.

In cats, the usual dose is 12.5 to 25 mg per pound (25 to 50 mg/kg) every 12 hours intramuscularly, intravenously or intraosseously.

After receiving ceftraixone, many pets are sent home with a prescription of an oral cephalosporin, similar to ceftraixone.

The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.